noun
kahuna
kuh-HOO-nuh
noun
1
A priest, healer, or expert in traditional Hawaiian culture.
"The kahuna led the blessing ceremony before the canoe launch."
2
An important or highly skilled person, especially (informally) a top surfer — as in "big kahuna."
"Everyone on the beach knew he was the big kahuna when it came to riding those waves."
How to Use Kahuna
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOriginally a Hawaiian priest or expert; in casual English, "big kahuna" means the most important person in a group.
Common pairings
the big kahuna
Word Forms
kahunas plural, kahuna plural
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The _____ led the blessing ceremony before the canoe launch.
Etymology
Borrowed from Hawaiian kahuna ("priest, expert, wizard").